Founded in 1971 as one of the first performing arts high schools in the country, and currently located in downtown Houston, the HSPVA Theatre Department provides students a rigorous curriculum designed to develop well-rounded theatre artists.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

REFLECTION
The Theatre Department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts provides a pre-professional training program that reflects the traditions and working relationships of the professional theatre world.

DEDICATION
The training our students receive is both intensive and extensive, demanding unwavering dedication from faculty, students, parents, and administration.

MASTERY
As a Japanese Noh master once said, "If an actor really wishes to master the Noh, he must set aside all other pursuits and truly give his whole soul to our art." This quote speaks volumes to our training at HSPVA. We aren't just teaching a skill, we are teaching a way of life.

ENLIGHTENING
It is the fundamental philosophy of the Theatre Department at HSPVA that educational theatre is a creative, practical, culturally enlightening, and democratic activity that has personal and therapeutic values for its participants.

WORLDLY
A successful theatre person is always in the process of learning more about the world.

ENSEMBLE
Our art is special in that the product results from the work of an ensemble. Designers, playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians all collaborate to create one finished product together.

COMMITMENT
This relationship requires both personal commitment and a willingness to support the team.

ARTISTIC
It requires the ability to constantly reflect on and build on one's own artistic process.

REWARDING
Our program isn't an easy ride, but it is deeply rewarding. It enriches, awakens, and enlivens our senses, and, more importantly, our souls